Official State Data: Arizona ESA Program Most Accountable, Successful in Government – Matt Beienburg Goldwater Institute

Arizona’s ESA program now serves over 100,000 students while costing roughly half as much per student as traditional public schools.

The statistical analysis from the ADE proves the ESA program is highly accountable: 98% of ESA funds are used appropriately, with fraudulent expenses at just 0.3%.

The media claims fraud rates are 20%. These claims have been debunked by the Arizona Department of Education as misinterpretations of audit data.

Most “unallowed” expenses are minor paperwork issues or good-faith mistakes—not misuse of funds.

Compared to other government programs and public school spending inefficiencies, ESA demonstrates higher transparency and better stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Overall, ESA empowers families with more educational choice while delivering strong value and accountability.